Hazrat Sheikh Abul Maali (RA) (2018)

16.09.2018(C)

Hazrat Sheikh Abul Maali (RA) shrine is situated at dil Muhammad road Lahore, Punjab Pakistan. His good name was Syed Khair ud Din, and sir name Abul Maali.  His father was related to the Syed family of Kirman Iran, Kirman was a fluoresce of Iran at that time. His ancestor Syed Faiz Ullah along with his son Syed Mubarak migrated from Kirman to Hindustan during the seven-hundreds and ninety-six Hijri. They settled in the area of Uch Sharif in Bahawalpur.

Then, this family shifted to the town of Daud Cha near Multan. In 1630 AD part of this family move to Shergarh and settled there. On, 10 Zilhaj, 960 Hijri Sunday this great saint of Islam Shah Abul Maali (RA) was born at Shergarh. The name of his father was Syed Rahamut Ullah and the name of his Grandfather was Syed Fateh Ullah. Syed Rahamut Ullah was brother of Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA).  The Shrine of Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA) is present at Shergarh. Another brother of Syed Rahamut Ullah (RA) was Syed Jalaluddin (RA), whose shrine is at Kotha Syed Jalal Sindh Pakistan.

Hazrat's paternal lineage joins Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA) after 14 steps.

Hazrat Shah Abul Maali (RA) got maturity in literal knowledge and then was dominated by the spirit of Allah’s love. Dominate with that spirit he spent some time in seclusion in jungles and deserts. Life seclusion gives perfection in the love of Allah and it was connected with Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) cave era.

Hazrat went to Delhi to find his spiritual guide, where he met a mystic, who told him to return back to Shergarh. When he returned back he followed his Uncle Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Sheikh on Qadri's spiritual path. He served his spiritual mentor Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi for years and then his mentor commissioned him to Lahore. During his journey from Shergarh to Lahore, he constructed water ponds, wells, and flower beds in multiple places, a few of which are still present. As he settled in Lahore, he was impressed and became a favorite of the masses. His love for Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA) was at its climax. He was used to admitting a person in his discipline and the very next night the disciple was blessed with the sight of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA). He wrote a book to pay his tribute to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani named ‘Tofa tul Qadaria’. He has written another book on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was a writer, and a poet, and his poetry was in the Persian language. He has written multiple books few names are Dewan Urabati, Ifat ul Qadri, Risala guldasta, Risala nooria, and Risala munsaja,

He served the cause of Islam in Lahore for decades Let us recalls some of his prominent miracles

Mughal Prince Dara Shukoh wrote in his book Seena ul Ulia. I, in the company of Niamey Ali, submitted to Shah Abul Maali's presence; meanwhile, a devotee submitted a beautiful Tasbeeh to Hazrat Saheb. I thought in my mind, that it would be very fortunate for me if Shah sb bestowed this Tasbeeh on me. When we intended to depart the session, Shah Sb called me and said you can take this Tasbeeh. He also advises me to read Doord on it 100 times daily which would reward you, me, and the original donator of Tasbeeh.

Hazrat Shah Abul Maali's (RA) first matrimony was done with the daughter of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA). That pious woman died soon after marriage. Hazrat sahib's second matrimony was with the maternal granddaughter of King Jahangir, she elapsed in Lahore and was buried in Mohala Abul Maali women's graveyard. This woman got eleven spaces in kinship with the king. That was a lot of lands extended from the civil court from Lahore to Mohala Shah Mali. His descent allows the construction of Dyal Singh college on this land.

Shah Sahib got eight sons one of his got Shaheed fighting against the Sikh army and his shrine is at Hussaingarh.

Hazrat Shah Abu al Mali died in 1025 Hijri at Lahore. His mausoleum was constructed in his life. Near his mausoleum a mosque was also present there Shah Sahib used to preach during the times he spent in Lahore.

Mosque

Mosque

Mosque

Domes of Mosque

Tomb of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ismail Gillani

Sheikh Ismail was a prominent scholar who belonged to the Bukhari Sayyids. During the reign of Mahmud Ghaznavi, he settled in Lahore and made it his permanent residence. He became famous for his expertise in Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and Tafsir.

Sheikh Ismail was the first person to deliver sermons in Lahore, and his teachings had a profound impact on education and preaching in the city. He was admired by the common people and his influence extended to thousands of Hindus who embraced Islam under his guidance.

Sheikh Ahmed Zanjani's book acknowledges Sheikh Ismail's significant contributions. Zanjani writes that Sheikh Ismail was among the foremost advocates of religion, arriving in Lahore and dedicating his entire life to spreading the message of Islam. Similarly, Syed Muhammad Latif highlighted another Maulana Ismail during Akbar's era, who served as Lahore's Mufti but was a different individual from the esteemed Sheikh Ismail.

However, various scholars have needed clarification regarding the identity and actions attributed to Sheikh Ismail. According to reliable research, Sheikh Ismail passed away in 338 Hijri and was laid to rest in Lahore. The tomb in front of Jain Mandir is often associated with Syed Ismail Gilani, Syed Moj Darya's father-in-law and Hazrat Bibi Kalyan's father.

While some historians claim this tomb as Sheikh Ismail the scholar's final resting place, there remains debate and uncertainty regarding its attribution.

The tomb was constructed with Mughal-era bricks, and fresco work and paintings can be seen inside. The dome of the tomb has been reconstructed lately.

My confusion was cleared by my history-loving friend, Dr. Zishan Ahmed, who has found the grave of Shah Ismail. It is located on Hall Road.

Sheikh Ismail's legacy as a knowledgeable scholar and influencer in Lahore's religious and educational spheres endures, leaving a mark on the city's history.